The Next Leap for Linux

Nrbelex writes "The New York Times is taking a look at the state of Linux. "Linux has always had a reputation of being difficult to install and daunting to use. Most of the popular Windows and Macintosh programs cannot be used on it, and hand-holding — not that you get that much of it with Windows — is rare. But those reasons for rejecting Linux are disappearing." The article discusses major PC makers' newest offers and compares them to their Windows counterparts."

Comments

Linux must tackle this first

[bogaboga]

In my opinion, Linux distros must provide a means of doing away with text configuration files, but still retain the ability to access them for those who wish. Everybody I have asked to edit some configuration file has loathed the idea. They are just used to pointing and clicking. They look terrified when presented with a configuration file. Some kept asking me where they should save it!

The other thin Linux distros must do is to make the default install beautiful. I knoe beauty lies in the hands of the beholder but an ugly app does not help matters in this way at all.The upcoming KDE release looks promising.

Here's another: In the server world, if one has to install a mail server for example, not less that 4 pieces of software have to be installed! This is insane. The installation should be handled by *one* script, that takes care of all components needed to create a fully functional mail server. If you wanted to install an ISP style mail server, an exercise in frustration awaits those who have not done it before.

In my early days, I had trouble with the Courier/POP/IMAP configuration since I did not know that one even needed it to have a working mail server. It does not have to be this way. I am an expert now by the way.

Last but not least; Marketing. Linux distros can do a better job at marketing.